This is the final post covering my interview with Ken Bylsma. You can read part one here and part two here.

People spend their retirements a lot of different ways. Why have you chosen to invest so much of your energy in short term missions?

There has been a “small” interest in missions since my Bible college days, but in 1998, I had the opportunity to go to the country of Angola, Africa. It was then that my passion for short mission trips changed and I began considering ways to use my gifts and talents to forward the Kingdom of God. I also started to look at retirement and just how my time could be used in missions. John 6:27, though maybe out of context, says, “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures for eternal life” . The principle became the motivation for spending my energy, time, and money for the Kingdom.

If someone was interested in spending some of their retirement this way, what are some of the things they should consider?

There are endless opportunities in just about any area you may be gifted in. Start planning and asking God how he could use you after retirement (or even before!) The cost… does it really matter? This is about serving Jesus Christ. Consider what it cost Him. Then go for it with all your being.
What do you think God might have for you next?

My time in Costa Rica is probably going to come to an end in 2008. Already my prayer is… “Lord, what do you have next?” Wycliffe has a great volunteer program. As I write this their application is sitting on my desk. But for me… it is being available for whatever God has.

How about YOU? Consider serving the Master today!!

Thanks Ken!